Israel Galindo, Perspectives on Congregational Leadership: Applying Systems Thinking for Effective Leadership. Educational Consultants, 2009.
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LifeandLeadership.com Summary
Israel Galindo is one of the most insightful observers of congregational life in general, and on the application of Bowenian Family Systems Theory (BFST) in particular. This self-published volume builds upon Galindo’s other excellent work, The Hidden Lives of Congregations, in explaining the dynamics of day-to-day church leadership through a systems perspective. Perspectives was named the 2011 Book of the Year by the Healthy Congregations network.
The book is divided into three sections. Section One explains the basic concepts of BFST. Section two interprets congregational leadership through a systems lens, exposing common errors in defining leadership, followed by his own four-fold suggestion for the role of leaders:
- Moderate the level of anxiety
- Challenge irresponsibility
- Improve open communication
- Develop a culture of intentionality.
Section Three explores congregational dynamics, with specific suggestions on a number of common church leadership tasks.
LifeandLeadership.com Summary
In sociology the term positive deviance identifies the behaviors that bring about effectiveness and success in those situations where something that should not work, does. At heart positive deviance answers the question, all things being equal, why do some congregational leaders succeed, when others do not?
Grounded in Family Systems Theory, this book will challenge congregational leaders to consider a different perspective that can bring about a change in thinking about the nature of congregational leadership. All things being equal, how can a leader be a positive deviant for effectiveness, success, and congregational health?
For over fifteen years the author has taught about leadership in a seminary context, served as consultant to hundreds of individuals and congregations, and has served on the faculty of the Leadership in Ministry Workshops, a continuing education program for clergy leadership. He has trained leaders from across the country in a different way of thinking about the ministry of leadership.
Editorial Reviews
In this book Galindo combines in-depth insight into the basics of BFST and the theory s application to leadership, while always maintaining the vital connection between theory and practice. – Lawrence Matthews, Coordinator, Leadership in Ministry Workshops
Israel Galindo offers his usual provocative perspective on ministry. Written in bite-size segments, church leaders will find much to reflect on for their own growth. The way of leadership he describes is a road less traveled, but those leaders and congregations who take this way will be better off. So will the church at large. – Margaret Marcuson, author, Leaders Who Last: Sustaining Yourself and Your Ministry (Seabury Books).
Galindo challenges conventional perspectives on what it means to be a pastoral leader. Practical and powerful is how I d describe this book. – T. Scott Anderson
The author’s conversational writing style and many real-life examples make a seemingly complicated, mysterious topic for some an engaging and easily applicable read.
About the Authors
Israel Galindo is Dean and professor of Christian Education Formation at the Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond. He is the author of several books, including The Hidden Lives of Congregations (Alban Institute).
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